Brownsville, Ky – On Feb 20th, Governor Andy Beshear presented more than $10.7 million in Edmonson County to support career and technical education, tourism marketing and a cleaner water project.

“My administration will always put education first, and that includes helping our students discover technical fields where they can get hands-on experience, serve others and find great jobs that can support a family,” Gov. Beshear said. “That’s why we’re awarding $10 million to support career and technical education here in Edmonson County, and we’re also providing funding to promote tourism and expand access to clean water.”

Career and Technical Education
Gov. Beshear presented $10 million to Edmonson County Public Schools to support renovations and an expansion at Edmonson County High School’s Local Area Vocational Education Center. Renovations will impact approximately 21,000 square feet of the existing building, and the project will also add an additional 12,550 square feet to help the school’s career and technical program grow. The school will also add an early childhood education pathway.

“It was an absolute pleasure and honor to host Gov. Beshear on Feb 20th, in Edmonson County. Edmonson County Schools are so very appreciative of the Governor’s commitment to vocational education and to our program,” Superintendent Brian Alexander said. “We thank the Governor for his time and for being so personable to the students and citizens of Edmonson County. We truly hope he can see us again soon!”

“I’m proud of the investments we’ve made in education, cleaner water and tourism here in Edmonson County and across the state,” said Rep. Michael Meredith of Oakland. “Together they represent our commitment to improving quality of life. However, the $10 million in funding for the vocational education center is particularly meaningful because of the impact it will have on preparing on Feb 20th’s students for successful, rewarding career paths.”

Cleaner Water Program
Gov. Beshear announced the commitment of $736,590 in Cleaner Water Program funding to the Edmonson County Water District. The funds will go toward maintenance projects throughout the water system, allowing for improved service to customers.

“The Cleaner Water Program will help the Edmonson County Water District to make upgrades to the system sooner rather than later,” said Tony Sanders, chairman of the Edmonson County Water District. “This grant, along with the round one of the Cleaner Water Program, will help to ensure that the Water District can continue to provide safe drinking water to the citizens of Edmonson County.”

Tourism Marketing Funding
Gov. Beshear awarded $26,387 to the Edmonson County Tourist and Convention Commission to support travel marketing and promotion. The funding is part of the $75 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding announced by the Governor in July and allocated by the General Assembly in the 2022 legislative session to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy following the decline in visitors brought on by the pandemic. The funds were distributed by the Kentucky Department of Tourism to eligible tourism organizations throughout the commonwealth.

“The Edmonson County Tourism Commission is eager to apply the awarded ARPA funds toward the advertising and promotion of what we know to be the perfect vacation destination for the recent boom of those seeking adventures in the great outdoors,” said Vanessa Ulm, executive director of the Edmonson County Tourism Commission. “Edmonson County is the natural place to be, and we plan to share that message with the world with an open invitation to visit and explore.”